dangerous highway

The Most Dangerous Highways for Truck Accidents in Louisiana and Texas

Hundreds of people have lost their lives while driving on the most dangerous highways in Texas​ and Louisiana. Learn about truck accidents on these highways, what makes the roads so dangerous, and safety tips for truck drivers.

Key Statistics on Truck Accidents in Louisiana and Texas

Here are major truck accident statistics:

  • In 2022, Texas saw 810 deaths from truck accidents, making it the state with the highest number of truck accident deaths.
  • Data from the Texas Department of Transportation shows that in 2023, Texas recorded 38,909 truck accidents and 620 fatalities. Comparatively, the U.S. as a whole had 152,114 truck accidents, which means 25.57% of all truck crashes in the country happen in Texas.
  • In 2023, 15.7% or 6,113 of all truck accidents and 6.45% of all fatalities (40) occurred in Harris County, making it the top-ranked county for truck accidents and deaths. Other top counties for truck accidents are Dallas (3,871), Bexar (2,460), Tarrant (1,866), and El Paso (1,013). [https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/docs/trf/crash-reports-records/2023/30.pdf
  • The number of truck accidents in Louisiana has declined from 4,251 in 2021 to 3,966 in 2022 and 3,785 in 2023. 
  • In 2023, 32.44% of all truck crashes in Louisiana occurred on interstates, 30.99 on state highways, and 18.04% on U.S. highways.
  • In 2023, 28.6% of truck drivers killed in a crash in Louisiana were not wearing a seat belt.

Overview of Major Highways

Here are some of the major highways in the region:

Interstate 10

Interstate 10 (I-10) is the longest interstate in Texas, stretching approximately 880 miles across the state. I-10 runs east from Anthony at the Texas-New Mexico border. It then cuts through El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston to the Texas-Louisiana state line near Orange in the east.

In Louisiana, it runs over 270 miles across the state, passing through, Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge. The highway links Texas and Louisiana to other states. It also connects directly to ports and other critical highways, which makes it an important passenger and freight corridor. 

The heavy truck presence and high speed limit on I-10, especially in Texas, increases the likelihood of 18-wheeler accidents on I-10.  This highway runs across six other U.S. states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Interstate 35

Interstate 35 (I-35) is a major north-south highway that passes through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. It links prominent cities like San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City. In Texas, I-35 starts in Laredo at the U.S.-Mexico border. It then stretches northward and exits at the Red River, Gainesville, into Oklahoma.

In Texas, I-35 is a vital transportation corridor that facilitates trade, commerce, and daily commutes. It’s one of the busiest highways in Texas, particularly in urban areas like Austin. The heavy traffic, frequent construction, high speeds, and huge presence of large trucks often cause 18-wheeler accidents on I-35.

Interstate 45

The Interstate 45 (I-45) Highway is a key north-south traffic corridor in eastern Texas. It connects Houston and Dallas and links several smaller cities, including Conroe, Galveston, Huntsville, League City, and The Woodlands. Because of this, I-45 handles a heavy mix of commuter, commercial, and long-distance traffic. The length of I-45 is approximately 286 miles, making it the shortest interstate highway. 

What is the most dangerous highway in Texas? A report by Budget Direct in 2021 stated that I-45 was the deadliest road in the United States, having seen 56.5 fatal accidents for every 100 miles of roadway. The high traffic volumes and changing weather conditions are some of the causes of commercial truck accidents on I-45.

I-45 is a crucial route for evacuating Houston during hurricanes. In 2005, Hurricane Rita caused thousands of people to flee the city, turning I-45 into a virtual parking lot. 

A $13 billion+ proposal to rebuild and widen a stretch of I-45 from Downtown Houston to Beltway 8, called the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, has been controversial. Opponents say the road expansion will create more traffic, worsen air quality, and displace families and businesses. The project kicked off on October 28, 2024, and it’s expected to take 18 years to complete.

Interstate 20

Interstate 20 (I-20) starts in Toyah, Texas, and stretches east through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, exiting at Waskom. In Louisiana, it crosses the northern part of the state from Greenwood, extending from the Texas border to the Mississippi River. The highway also passes through Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. It links major cities, such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Shreveport, Jackson, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Columbia.

The I-20 Corridor is crucial to both Texas and the United States. It supports goods transportation, the national energy sector, and the millions of people who live, work, and travel along its route. Of the 1,539 miles of I-20, about 636 are in Texas.

Factors Contributing to Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can leave devastating impacts, from serious injuries to heartbreaking losses. Many factors contribute to truck crashes, but here are the major ones:

Heavy Traffic Volume

The high volume of vehicles on roads, particularly in urban and high-traffic areas, is one of the major causes of commercial truck accidents. In Texas, for example, key interstate highways like I-45, I-10, and I-35 are truck accident hotbeds because of the heavy traffic. This is also why metropolitan areas with high population density, such as Houston, Austin, and Dallas-Forth Worth, are some areas in Texas and the U.S. with the highest accident rates. The risk of accidents increases on congested roads because drivers are more likely to drive aggressively and tailgate.

Poor Road Conditions

Bad road conditions, such as potholes, narrow lanes, poorly designed intersections, and faded markings, are dangerous driving environments. The effect of bad roads is higher on trucks because their size reduces the driver’s ability to maneuver. So, a passenger vehicle may swerve around a pothole quickly and survive. But when a big wheeler does the same, it may roll over.

Weather-Related Issues

Weather conditions like fog, rain, and icy roads make driving on highways more dangerous. Fog affects drivers’ visibility, which can make them miss critical road markings or other vehicles. A driver may also slow down to adapt to the fog or stop entirely, which could affect traffic flow and result in rear-end collisions.

Also, wet roads, icy roads, and rainfall reduce the friction between the roads and the tires. That makes it harder to bring trucks to a quick stop.

Driver Fatigue and Distracted Driving

Some trucking companies and truckers ignore the federally prescribed Hours of Service regulations. Spending long hours on the road without adequate rest affects reaction times, decision-making, and alertness. FMCSA reports that 13% of commercial drivers involved in a serious truck crash were fatigued.

Distracted driving is another issue. Distractions affect a driver’s focus on the road, such as texting, using electronic devices, eating or drinking while driving, and adjusting the truck’s devices or controls. In 2020, 4,777 truck crashes were linked to distracted driving.

High-Risk Road Stretches

Some dangerous roads in Texas and Louisiana have far more crashes than others.

Accident-Prone Areas on Interstate 10

I-10’s landscape presents unique challenges, from congested urban zones to isolated rural areas. Here are some of the most crash-prone areas: 

  • Construction zones near Beaumont, TX: This area experienced over 1,100 crashes in 2022 because of the construction there.
  • The West Texas desert stretch: This area is dangerous because truckers are prone to speeding and driver fatigue, and they also have limited roadside assistance.
  • Congested areas between Houston and San Antonio: These urban areas, especially the Katy Freeway in Houston, experience heavy traffic, often during rush hours.

Risky Sections of Interstate 35

In 2019, I-35 was the fifth most dangerous highway in the United States. Major accident-prone areas in I-35:

  • In Dallas, large truck crash concentrations are highest in the downtown’s southern and western parts, particularly along I-35 and I-30. 
  • In Fort Worth, I-35W is a major risk zone for large truck crashes. Specifically, the intersections with Highway 287 and 183 have seen numerous accidents. 
  • Interstate 35 W between Highway 180 and 183 is particularly dangerous.
  • The stretch from Ripy Street to E Bewick Street and the section of I-35W just north of Basswood Blvd. are where truck crashes are frequently reported.
  • The stretch of I-35 between Austin and San Antonio is also risky. Heavy congestion, narrow lanes, and constant lane shifts from ongoing construction create hazardous conditions.

Accident-Prone Areas on Interstate 45

Some of the deadliest stretches of I-45: 

  • Airtex Drive to West Road: 11 fatal crashes between 2018 and 2020 
  • W Little York Road to Chartres Street: 29 fatal crashes and 32 deaths from 2017 to 2021 
  • Tidwell Road to I-610 South Loop: 45 fatal crashes and 50 deaths between 2013 and 2015 
  • The I-45 section from Exit 63 to Exit 59: 12 fatal accidents, with 2 crashes per mile. It ranked as the seventh deadliest road in Texas from the analysis of 10,125 fatal accidents from 2018 to 2020 by Money Geek.

Risky Sections of Interstate 20

Here are some facts on crashes on I-20:

  • The deadliest part of I-20 is the 4.8-mile stretch from Bowman Springs Rd. in Arlington to Campus Dr. in Fort Worth. Between 2018 and 2020, it saw 13 fatal crashes, 14 deaths, and an average of 2.9 fatalities per mile.
  • Between 2015 and 2021, commercial vehicle crashes on I-20 in Texas totaled 12,619 incidents, accounting for 23% of all crashes on the corridor.
  • In the above period, the Odessa District had the highest number of commercial vehicle crashes on I-20 in Texas. There were 2,560 incidents or 34% of all crashes.

There are also other dangerous Texas highways, including:

  • Riverside Drive and East Lancaster Avenue: These roads with dual left-turn lanes had 126 crashes in 2021. 
  • US 285: This highway runs through the Permian Basin, a region with many oil and gas wells. 
  • State Highway 118: This highway has steep inclines, sharp curves, and narrow stretches, and it can be remote, making it difficult for emergency services to reach accident sites.

Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

If you’re a truck driver, following these safety tips will help you stay safe on the highway:

Adhering to Speed Limits

Following speed limits protects you and other road users. When you maintain the recommended speed, you’ll have better control, especially in unexpected situations. Also, to minimize risk, adjust your speed based on weather, road conditions, and traffic.

Conducting Regular Vehicle Inspections

Before and after each trip, check vital parts like brakes, tires, lights, and mirrors. If you can identify and address issues early, you’ll prevent some accidents. Also, make sure your truck complies with all safety regulations.

Staying Alert and Avoiding Distractions

Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue and affect your performance. To stay safe, take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Avoid distractions like using your mobile phone and eating or drinking while driving.

Seeking Legal Assistance After an Accident

Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer usually leads to a better outcome. A truck accident attorney can:

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Follow these steps after an accident:

  1. Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries appear minor, see a doctor as soon as possible and get a medical report. Doing so will make it easier to prove your case if you file a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages.
  2. Check for others’ injuries: If someone is seriously harmed, call 911 immediately.
  3. Contact the authorities: Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the accident report.
  4. Gather evidence: Take photos of your injuries and property damage, collect the other driver’s details, and get witnesses’ contact information.
  5. Exchange information: Share your contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license with the other driver.
  6. Consult an attorney: An experienced truck accident attorney, like Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, can help protect your interests.

Whether you’re a trucker navigating long hauls or a commuter sharing the road, small actions like adhering to speed limits, staying alert, and avoiding distractions can make a life-saving difference. However, accidents can still happen despite your best efforts. If you’re involved in one, contact our dedicated and experienced truck accident lawyers at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers to help protect your interests.

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